The Ekiti governorship election is just around the corner, but vote buying and electoral offences continue to plague Nigeria's electoral process. You've probably heard of people buying votes, but do you know just how common it is? The Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), Ezenwa Nwagwu, says it's a major problem that's not being addressed.

Nwagwu spoke during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. He said findings from PAACA's pre-election survey showed that many Nigerians understand that practices like vote buying, voter intimidation, and ballot manipulation are wrong and should attract punishment. However, voter education alone can't stop electoral malpractice without visible punishment for offenders.

The survey revealed that many Nigerians know vote buying is wrong, but it still persists. According to Nwagwu, it's because offenders are rarely punished. He questioned the readiness of institutions to enforce electoral laws effectively. Addressing vote buying can't rely on voter education alone; it requires visible enforcement, protection of whistleblowers, and a clear demonstration that electoral offences carry consequences.

Nwagwu called on INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to prosecute electoral offenders swiftly and impartially to restore public confidence in the electoral process. He stressed that accountability must be visible, swift, and impartial if citizens are to trust that the law means what it says.

The survey also showed low youth participation in elections, despite high social media engagement. Older voters remain more politically active. Voters are becoming more issue-focused, with security, job creation, electricity, and infrastructure ranking as top concerns ahead of the election.

Nwagwu urged political parties and candidates to focus on practical solutions instead of hate speech and personal attacks. He also called for increased vigilance and better training of security personnel on electoral laws ahead of the poll. This would help ensure a smoother electoral process.

  • The Ekiti governorship election is upcoming.
  • PAACA's survey showed many Nigerians understand vote buying is wrong.
  • Offenders are rarely punished.
  • Low youth participation in elections was recorded.
  • Top voter concerns include security, job creation, electricity, and infrastructure.